Ingolstadt – In 1995 Audi presented a pioneering study: the Audi TT. The third generation of the sports car celebrated its debut in early March 2014. The special exhibition, entitled “State of the ArTT,” presents the history of and stories about this design icon. Eight cars from production and motorsport can be viewed at the Audi museum mobile from April 2 to May 11.

Radical in design, but suitable for everyday use – that was the motto for the first Audi TT. “The requirement specifications laid down a sports car concept with high practicality,” recalls Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development, AUDI AG, who at the time supervised the development of the Audi TT. Within a few weeks, a small team of designers and engineers drafted a 2+2-seater car with broad and high shoulders, extended wheel arches, overlapping engine hood and dominant headlights. The interior was governed by the principle of “as much as necessary and as little as possible.” The Coupé (IAA Frankfurt, 1995) and Roadster (Tokyo Motor Show, 1995) showcars were followed by the production versions of the Audi TT Coupé in 1998 and Audi TT Roadster in 1999.

Another exhibit in the special display is the second generation of the Audi TT from 2006, made even sportier by more powerful engines and compound composite construction. Awards like the “World Design Car of the Year” from 2007 document the Audi TT’s status as a design icon.

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014, Audi presented the third generation of the sports car. “More than ever, the new Audi TT is an ambassador of sportiness,” remarks Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg. “A completely new feature is the virtual cockpit, a digital instrument cluster replacing the classic circular dials in the driver’s field of vision.”

Now, for the first time, all three generations of the Audi TT are on display at the Audi museum mobile.

With the example of the Audi TT-R, Team Abt, “State of the ArTT” makes a pit stop at the subject of motorsport. From 2000 the TT began to prove its abilities as a racing car in the DTM (German Touring Car Masters), winning the title in 2003. As another highlight of motorsport, the Audi TT RS can be viewed as the customer racing version – a racing car specially designed by Audi engineers for the 2012 season of the popular VLN Endurance Championship (Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenmeisterschaft Nürburgring).

The Audi TTS “Pikes Peak” is considered a milestone in piloted driving. Exterior designers based it on the rally quattro racing car that had made motorsport history over 25 years ago in the legendary “Pikes Peak Hill Climb.” The exhibit recalls the original technology demonstrator from 2010.

A special highlight is the Audi TT ultra quattro concept. Engineers consistently further developed the Audi Space Frame (ASF) while relying on an intelligent combination of materials. The showcar from 2013 accelerates to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.2 seconds. Its power-to-weight ratio of 3.6 kg/hp (7.94 lb/hp) is on par with that of supercars.

“State of the ArTT” follows the history of the TT as far back as its roots. The NSU Quickly TT, a moped designed for young sports enthusiasts, was launched under this acronym back in 1959. Six years later the NSU Prinz 1000 TT, a compact car built in Neckarsulm, entered the market. The model designation “TT” is reminiscent of the Tourist Trophy, one of the oldest and most difficult motorcycle races in the world. In 1953 and the following year the NSU team enjoyed great successes on the Isle of Man with the Rennmax and the Rennfox, even accomplishing a fourfold victory in the 250 category in 1954. NSU Rennfox, NSU Quickly TT and a model of the NSU Prinz 1000 TT are items featured in the special exhibition and round off the Audi TT show. “State of the ArTT” is open daily from April 2 to May 11, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.